About This Guide

This guide explains what every worker, supervisor, employer and constructor needs to know about workplace violence and workplace harassment requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It describes everyone's rights and responsibilities and answers, in plain language, the questions that are most commonly asked about these requirements.

Please note this guide is not a legal document. It should not be taken as a statement of the law or what constitutes compliance with the law. If you need help in determining what constitutes compliance, you should consult a lawyer.

This guide does not cover every situation or answer every question about the legal requirements for workplace violence and workplace harassment in Ontario. It also does not cover requirements for other workplace health and safety issues. You should consult A Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act for information about other requirements.

This guide does not cover other legal obligations that may exist such as those under Canada’s Criminal Code or Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

Ontario Ministry of Labour health and safety inspectors enforce the Occupational Health and Safety Act and may refer to this guide when determining compliance. They do not enforce this guide.

The workplace violence and workplace harassment requirements are effective June 15, 2010 and are enforceable as of that date.